*Joint Release*

Groton and Dunstable Police Departments Offer Back To School Safety Tips

GROTON — With the start of a new school year just around the corner, Dunstable Police Chief James W. Dow and Groton Police Chief Donald L. Palma, Jr. wish to offer several important safety tips to their communities.

Students in the Groton-Dunstable Regional School District start the new school year on the following dates:

Grades 1-12: Wednesday, Aug. 30

Kindergarten: Thursday, Aug. 31

Pre-Kindergarten: Friday, Sept. 1

“The first day of school is always an exciting and busy time,” Chief Palma said. “As families prepare to return to school, we ask everyone to think safety first. I’d like to remind those driving near schools to be cautious of pedestrians, and that students maintain awareness of their surroundings.”

Commuters are encouraged to adjust their schedules to accomodate bus stops and be hypervigilant for children along the roads.

With students often on their phones texting, browsing the internet or playing games, the Groton and Dunstable Police Departments urge parents talk to their children about following these safety tips provided by the National Safety Council (NSC) when headed to and from school:

Do not walk and text. If you need to respond to a text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk.

Be fully attentive while crossing the street.

Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street.

Cross only at crosswalks.

“We want to be sure that everyone stays safe on the first day, and every day travelering to work and driving near schools,” Chief Dow said. “It is important for drivers to remember that school zones that have been quiet all summer will once again be vibrant and active, meaning they will need to be cognizant of children and increased traffic in those areas.”

Drivers should be fully attentive and should NEVER text and drive. Additionally, the NSC reminds operators that:

Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk.

Always stop for a crossing guard.

Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas

Do not honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way

Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians

To best ensure that children who travel to school by bus get there safely, Groton and Dunstable Police advise that students follow these tips from the NSC:

Getting on the bus:

When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness.

Line up away from the street as the bus approaches.

Wait until the bus has stopped and the doors open before approaching.

Behavior on the bus:

If available, always wear your seat belt.

Don’t put your head, arms or hands out the window.

Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.

Getting off the bus:

If you have to cross in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the driver. Make sure the driver can see you too.

Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing. When the driver signals, look left, right, then left again. Walk across the road and keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes.

If your vision is blocked, move to an area where you can see other drivers and they can see you.

Update: Skydiver Rescued After Becoming Stuck in Tree in Dunstable

First responders tended to a man on the ground after he became stuck in a tree following an apparent parachute malfunction. (Courtesy Photo)

DUNSTABLE — Police Chief James Dow and Fire Chief Brian Rich are pleased to report that the skydiver who became stranded in a tree Sunday evening has been rescued.

At Approximately 7:15 p.m., first responders received a 911 call that a skydiver landed and became stuck in a tree in the forest near 223 River St. Upon arrival, officers learned that a man was stuck approximately 60-80 feet up in the tree after his parachute malfunctioned.

The Northeast Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team responded to the scene at the request of Dunstable Police and Fire, and conducted a rescue operation.

The male victim refused to be transported to the hospital after he reaching the ground at 10:45 p.m., after being stuck for four hours.

“We are glad that this gentleman was able to be brought safely to the ground without injury,” Chief Dow said. “This would not have been possible without the support of multiple agencies.”

The Nashua Fire Department also responded to the scene while the Pepperell Fire Department answered a mutual aid call and provided station coverage for the town of Dunstable.

*Joint Release*

Dunstable Police and Fire responded Sunday evening after a skydiver became stuck in a tree . (Courtesy Photo)

DUNSTABLE — Police Chief James Dow and Fire Chief Brian Rich report that the Dunstable Police and Fire Departments are actively responding after a skydiver became stuck in a tree.

At Approximately 7:15 p.m., first responders received a 911 call that a skydiver landed and became stuck between 60 and 80 feet up in a tree in the area of 223 River St.

The male victim remains stuck in the tree. The Northeast Massachusetts Technical Rescue Teamhas responded to the scene at the request of Dunstable Police and Fire and has begun a rescue operation. The victim is believed to have suffered non-life threatening injuries and has been communicating verbally with rescuers.

In addition to Dunstable Police and Fire, the Nashua Fire Department has also responded to the scene. The Pepperell Fire Department responded to a mutual aid call and is providing station coverage for the town of Dunstable.

This is a breaking news update. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Dunstable Police Arrest Man Following Armed Home Invasion

DUNSTABLE — Chief James Dow reports that the Dunstable Police Department arrested a man on several charges stemming from an armed home invasion that occurred early Saturday morning.

A 24-year-old Boston man was transported to Bridgewater State Hospital for a mental health evaluation and faces the following charges:

Breaking and Entering Into a Building in the Nighttime for a Felony

Malicious Destruction of Property Over $250

Assault

Assault With a Dangerous Weapon

Armed Burglary

Home Invasion

Armed Assault in a Dwelling

On Saturday, June 17, at approximately 2:10 a.m., Dunstable Police were dispatched to a home on Thorndike Street for a report of a home invasion in progress. Two Dunstable officers responded to the home, along with two Tyngsborough officers, and learned from a preliminary investigation that the suspect had broken in after being dismissed from performing work at the home earlier in the night.

Officers encountered a man, later identified as the resident of the home, who appeared to have been involved in a physical altercation. The man told officers that the suspect kicked in the front door and assaulted him, leading to a fight inside the home during which the homeowner was sprayed in the eyes with an unknown substance.

Witnesses told officers that the suspect had fled following the altercation, and he was located shortly afterward walking on Main Street with blood on his clothes and face. Officers took him into custody after locating him.

“I commend all of the officers involved for quickly and thoroughly investigating this home invasion and finding the person responsible,” Chief Dow said. “Their professionalism was essential for both maintaining order at the home and quickly capturing this suspect.”

Following his arrest, the man underwent a mental health evaluation and was later transported to and held at Bridgewater State Hospital for further examination.